Thursday, August 13, 2009

Hey ya’ll! Yeah that is something I would normally say, but today it’s in honor of my girl, Miss Paula Deen! The fam and I just returned home from a couple of days celebrating my mother-in-law’s birthday in Tunica, MS. At Harrah’s, Paula Deen has a restaurant, casino-style of course…A BUFFET! Can you imagine anything more dangerous that an all-you-can-eat buffet Paula Deen-style?! Uh, no…me either! ;-) And let me tell you, I WAY overdid it. I was eatin’ away just the happiest girl ever, picturing my Paula just a cookin’ away back in the kitchen! Yeah, I know, I know…but it made it more fun for ME! I had several of her signature dishes, ones that I have watched her make over and over on Food Network, and I saw a couple that I make myself! Cool! Some of my faves were baked spaghetti, oven baked potato wedges, cheesy biscuits, cheeseburger meatloaf, fried shrimp, strawberry shortcake, and cream puffs. And yes, I tried it all. Some a bit more than others, but just know it was all FABULOUS!

The decor was perfect. I felt like I was having breakfast and, ahem, dinner, at Paula’s house. There were several flat screen TVs scattered around showing different episodes of her shows, Paula’s Best Dishes, Paula’s Home Cookin’, and Paula’s Party. And out front, where you would imagine a foyer and living room to be, there was a HUGE gift shop! Uh-oh. This could have potentially been a big problem except for the fact that my hubby was with me and he reigned me in rather quickly. Gah. Oh well, I still made off with a coffee mug, a cookie sampler, and the cutest apron for Katie! She loved it! She helped me cook dinner tonight just so she could wear it! We made a southwest chicken salad, in case you were wondering. Delish! And yes, it was definitely a SALAD night after our 2 days of indulging!

Thankfully I could make use of the nice hotel fitness room while we were there. I LOVE a GOOD hotel fitness room! The treadmills were practically new and looked like they had barely been used. Jack says it’s because the average age of someone at the casino was probably 75. Whatever…they were good and I liked it! But I ran 6.25 miles on Wednesday morning and 6.75 this morning. We also took the kids swimming 4 times while we were there so I probably didn’t come out too bad. It was a great short-and-sweet trip and we had a good time. It was nice to get away for just a couple of days. And my mom-in-law had a good birthday, too!

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comments:

Happy birthday to your mom-in-law! That does sound like quite the fun little trip! :)

Thank you so much for all of your sweet comments, thoughts, and prayers lately! I REALLY appreciate it! Everytime I see a comment from you on my blog or facebook it makes me feel so blessed. Love you, you awesome lady!!

MY BREAST CANCER JOURNEY

Hey! I'm Erica, a 34-year-young stay-at-home mom of 3 wonderful, active children and a breast cancer SURVIVOR. My husband, Jack, is still my high school sweetheart and we have been married for 17 years. I live in a tiny town in Missouri, taking care of my family and soaking up every minute in every day. I am a lover of Jesus, running, coffee, girl-time, positivity, dancing, fruits & vegetables, shopping trips, and sports. I begin each day with the intention on pleasing the Lord and because of His amazing grace, at the end of the day, He loves me anyway. So on my blog you will be seeing my 3 favorite little people (and my favorite big-guy!), my hopes, my dreams, and my prayers. Sometimes it gets a little crazy around here, but if you are up for keeping up with a busy mom, let's go!

You can contact me by email at: jegriffin @ centurytel . net

Ah, Sovereign LORD,You are my hope, the Lord of my life. I wait on you and move cautiously in my decisions. I'm not ashamed to trust in Your guidance, Lord. Instead, I feel thankful for the encouragement and surety You give me. As I trust in You, I'm filled with peace. Throughout the day, my thoughts often turn to You for direction and strength. In quiet confidence I find strength only You can give. You, dear Father, are my Rock and my Defender; I shall not fear. I know in whom I believe and I'm persuaded You keep me close to You day by day. I look to You, I doubt not in Your unfailing love for me. Thank You. In Jesus' name, Amen.-Anita Corrine Donihue